Heart-Lung Transplant

About Heart-Lung Transplant

A combined heart-lung transplant replaces both the heart and lungs in a single operation and is reserved for patients with severe, advanced disease affecting both organs together, such as complex congenital heart conditions with associated lung damage, or severe pulmonary hypertension that has caused irreversible heart failure. Because it requires a matched set of donor organs from a single deceased donor, it is a rarer and more complex procedure than single-organ transplant, with longer waiting periods due to limited donor availability. The operation is performed with the patient on a heart-lung bypass machine while the surgical team removes the diseased heart and lungs and connects the donor organs to the recipient's airway and major blood vessels. Recovery involves an extended stay in intensive care, careful management of breathing and lung function, and close monitoring for rejection of either organ, alongside lifelong immunosuppressive medication. Rehabilitation gradually rebuilds lung capacity and physical stamina over several months. India's transplant centers with combined thoracic transplant capability evaluate candidates thoroughly before listing, and international patients should expect a lengthy process encompassing evaluation, waiting time, surgery, and an extended recovery of several months before travel home is considered.